VAUXHALL REVEALS FIRST-EVER ELECTRIC CORSA

Corsa-e and Grandland X PHEV lead Vauxhall’s electric charge this year

Successor to Mokka X and new Vivaro in 2020, will have electric power

Vauxhall will have an electrified version of every model in its range by 2024

Various propulsions systems available on common platforms

Luton – Vauxhall has released first images of the all-new Corsa-e, one of the most hotly-anticipated new cars to go on sale in 2019.

As part of the PACE! strategic plan, Vauxhall’s Corsa-e and Grandland X PHEV will lead the British brand’s electric charge this year. Two more all-electric models will follow in 2020, including the successor to the Mokka X SUV and Vivaro van. All models are vital to Vauxhall’s ongoing reduction of CO2.

Modern multi-energy platforms play key role

By 2024, Vauxhall will have an electrified version of every model in its range. A key role is played by the shared multi-energy platforms. They make it possible to offer various propulsion systems on a common platform.

A sales sensation since 1993

Corsa has been Vauxhall’s best-selling car for many years, with over 2.1 million Corsas sold in the UK since it launched in 1993. The British buying public are familiar with its name and looks, and have a fondness for its compact dimensions and interior packaging. Corsa is just as popular in Europe with over 13.5 million sold.

PROPULSION

209 mile1 WLTP range extendable by 40% in Eco mode

Corsa-e can be charged to 80% capacity in 30 minutes at rapid-charge station

136hp and 260Nm electric propulsion system with 50kWh battery

Corsa-e achieves 0-31mph in just 3.1 seconds1

The Corsa-e has 209 mile range1 that can be extended by up to 40 per cent in Eco mode. The battery can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes at a rapid-charge station.

With 136hp and 260Nm of torque from the electric propulsion system, the Corsa-e sprints from 0-31mph in just 3.1 seconds1. The Corsa-e reaches 62mph in just 8.1 seconds.1

Corsa-e drivers can choose from three drive modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. In Normal mode, the 50kWh battery allows a driving range of 209 miles1 according to WLTP. Sport alters responsiveness and delivers more performance, which result in a moderate loss in driving range of around 10 per cent. In “Eco”, the Corsa-e becomes a long-distance runner. All the car’s systems and the electric drive are adjusted for maximum energy efficiency, without significant detrimental effect on comfort. Compared with “Sport”, range is increased by up to 40 per cent.

In order to further improve efficiency, the Corsa-e features a regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration. This excess kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and either used immediately or stored in the battery. The driver can choose between two levels. At the lower level, the Corsa-e’s deceleration is similar to the engine-braking of a conventional car. At the highest level of energy recuperation, the drag torque of the electric motor is much higher.

CHARGING

11kW on-board charger included as standard

Works with home charger and rapid charger

The Corsa-e is as easy to charge as it is to drive. It charges via a cable that can connect to a wallbox or fast charger (and the battery is guaranteed for eight years). The Corsa-e is equipped as standard with an 11kW on-board charger.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment with 10-inch touchscreen available

The Corsa-e is a pioneer in every way thanks to its advanced technologies, driver assistance systems and connectivity, which are more familiar to premium car drivers.

Numerous camera and radar-based assistance systems enable safer, more relaxed driving. The new Corsa’s infotainment systems up to and including the Multimedia Navi Pro are available with a 10-inch colour touchscreen. They are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Suitable smartphones can be charged wirelessly.

Driver Assistance Systems

Numerous advanced driver assistance systems, which enable safer, more relaxed driving, are based on camera and optional radar technology.

Traffic Sign Recognition detects signs (including LED signs) via the front camera. If the car is equipped with the navigation system, the system can use the speed limit in the map database to display the speed limit in the Driver Info Centre.

Side Blind Spot Alert uses ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to alert the driver to the presence of moving objects in the blind spots either side and to the rear of the car. A warning symbol lights up in the corresponding exterior mirror.

Adaptive Cruise Control automatically adapts the gap between the car and the preceding vehicle by decelerating or accelerating, according to the distance selected by the driver. The system (which until now has only been offered in midsize cars and above) uses a combination of front camera and radar.

The Corsa-e also offers two emergency braking systems:

Camera-based automatic emergency braking is activated if a collision threatens at speeds between 3mph and 25mph. Up to 18mph the car can be brought to a standstill. Between 30 and 52mph the car’s speed decreases by up to 13mph. The front camera can identify vehicles and pedestrians.

Camera and radar-based automatic emergency braking in an emergency reduces the car’s speed by up to 31mph in order to avoid or reduce the force of a collision. Depending on the speed, the system can identify vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles and motorbikes.

Drowsiness Detection warns the driver, via audio and visual signals at three levels, to take a break after two hours of driving at speeds higher than 40mph. The system can alert the driver to the need for a break at any time if it detects that the car is behaving dangerously, e.g. swerving.

The Corsa-e helps the driver into and out of parking spaces by various means:

Parking pilots for the rear, and front plus rear.

Panorama Rear View Camera: additional parking assistance; increases rearward visibility by up to 180 per cent, enabling drivers to see traffic approaching from the right or left.

Infotainment

The new Corsa’s infotainment ranges from the Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi with 7-inch colour touchscreen, to the top-of-the-range Multimedia Navi Pro with 10-inch colour touchscreen. Angled slightly toward the driver, each system is positioned for optimum ergonomics in the clearly arranged instrument panel.

The Multimedia systems are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and feature control via integrated voice recognition.

They also offer the new Vauxhall Connect telematics service. With helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, key vehicle data checking via an app, direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, the driver and passengers enjoy additional peace of mind. Help can be reached within seconds via the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or the airbags are deployed, the emergency call is activated automatically.

The “Open & Start” keyless locking and start system (with anti-theft protection) recognises the driver via smart device. The engine is switched on a via the start button in the instrument panel.

1Preliminary data determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology. EG type approval and Certificate of Conformity are not yet available. Preliminary values may differ from official final type approval data.